How to make a pom-pom…

Yes, I accept it’s kind of a weird thing to love but if it makes me happy, it should require no further explanation, right?!

I remember one of the first times I made a pom-pom. I was probably about 8 years old and we were on a family holiday staying with friends on the lovely Scottish island of Arran. I’m pretty sure it was a dreich (read: miserable!) day and the adults were desperately searching for tasks to keep several small children amused indoors. Out came the multi-coloured yarn, some cardboard, scissors (child-friendly, of course) and the pom-pom lesson began! To this day, I still have that very pom-pom. I later I gave it a pair of eyes, a nose, mouth and some felt feet and it became my lucky charm for exams during my school and university years. Hence the origin of my love for pom-poms!

Designing knitwear has given me a whole new excuse to discover the joy of the pom-pom once more. The simple addition of a pom-pom can turn a fairly ordinary-looking knitted hat or scarf into a fun accessory with an identity of its own.

Balcome Beanie by Mrs D

So, for those of you who have never experienced the satisfaction of making a pom-pom or, indeed, for those who haven’t made one since you were small and just need a wee reminder, here’s my free PDF step-by-step guide: